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“I thought I’d give this a try, if you’re okay with it,” he said.
“I am. How does it feel?” she asked.
“Right.”
CHAPTER 35
The bus pulled up to the large lakeside home, the high arches lined with sparkling multi-colored Christmas lights and the front porch light illuminating a frosted wreath with a large red bow in the center of the door.
Holly sat next to Declan, her hand in his. When they’d returned to the bus, Declan noticed the curious eyes that followed them and it took everything in him to ignore the attention. No one had said anything, but he assumed that once Nick or Clark got him alone, there would be a number of questions needing answers.
“All right,” Holly called, squeezing his hand before she dropped it and stood, addressing everyone on the bus. “Everyone has been assigned a room. The two suites on the main level are for the bride and groom and Nick and Noel.”
“Whoa, why do they get the good rooms?” Pike called.
“Because I said so and I’m the boss. Now, the other two rooms on the main level are Pike and Tony and Sally and Tara. On the upper floor, first bedroom on the right is Sam and Declan, Ryan gets the second room, and Delilah will be in the third room. I will be in the attic. Any questions or concerns?” No one said a word and she clapped her hands. “Great. Gather your stuff, and because Sam, Sally, Declan, and I were disqualified, we will be the ones to unload all of the scavenger hunt items from the bus.”
“What about your dare cards?” Merry called.
“Once we’ve got everything situated, we will fulfill our dares,” Holly said grimly.
Declan fought a smile. His dare was to put as many Santa marshmallows in his mouth as he could fit, which wasn’t so bad, but Holly’s was to perform a rendition of “Santa Baby” in a very special outfit. He hadn’t seen it yet, but Holly didn’t seem pleased about it.
He climbed off the bus and went to the cargo area on the side, waiting until everyone gathered their bags. A hand landed on his shoulder, and he glanced over at Sam standing next to him.
“How’s it going, Roomie? Still want to beat my ass?”
“Not at the moment, but you’ll be the first to know if that changes.”
Sam chuckled. “I did a public service and one day the two of you will thank me for it.” Sam grabbed his bag and one of the gray totes, shooting Declan a wink. “See you in there, snuggle bug.”
Declan grabbed his bag and the other gray tote, when Holly came up alongside him. She reached for a pink duffel, but Declan set his burden down and tossed it on top of the tote.
“What are you doing?” she said.
“Carrying your stuff into the house like a gentleman.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, that’s why I’m doing it.”
“Hey,” she called, chasing after him. When she got close enough, she lowered her voice. “Put your bag in my room.”
“I thought I was rooming with Sam.”
Holly arched a brow. “Do you want to room with Sam or me?”
“I mean, he did call me snuggle bug,” he said, grinning playfully. “I kind of liked it.”
“Up to you, but—” She picked up two of the sacks of food and said, “I packed with the specific idea of sneaking you into my room for a little holiday surprise. You have fun with Sam, though.”
Declan laughed, following her into the house. The high ceilings and cedar walls made the space feel open and welcoming. A ten-foot Christmas tree in the corner of the family room was decorated in red and white balls, with a plaid star on top and matching ribbon looped through the branches.
“That tote goes by the fireplace, Declan,” Clark said, pointing to the other wall. Once he dropped it off, Declan climbed the stairs, walking past three doors until he spotted another open door at the end and a staircase inside.
“Hey, where you going, pal?” Sam asked.
Declan held up Holly’s duffel. “Dropping off our stuff.”
